Free Throw (Jake Maddox Sports Stories)

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Sean Tiffany has worked as an illustrator for more than twenty-five years. He has illustrated more than sixty children's books for Capstone and has been an instructor at the famed Joe Kubert School in northern New Jersey. He mixes his love of comics, art, and rock and roll in the multimedia project OilCan Drive. Raised on a small island off the coast of Maine, Sean now resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Monika, their son, James, and a house full of entirely too many guitars.

Grade 4–8—These stories deliver lots of action. In Free Throw, Derek is named center during his second year of basketball as he is now the tallest player, and he shares his struggles and success to meet the challenges of the position. The second title is narrated by Robby, whose determination propels him to overcome self-doubt and personal failure, along with taunts and injury from a teammate, to achieve success. When he is moved from his position as center to defensive tackle, he replaces disappointment with resolve and acquires knowledge that serves him well when he substitutes for an injured center. There is no information about the ages of these characters, and little description of life off the court or field. The clear descriptions, realistic dialogue, abundant action, and touches of humor will appeal to younger children, as well as to middle school or older readers who are working to bolster their skills. They will appreciate the large font and the comic-book-style drawings that illuminate the texts. Both books conclude with discussion questions and writing prompts.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
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